07/13/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Freeman said the West Broadway improvements reportedly cost $25,000 more than budgeted and $5,000 of it was spent on a three-day celebration. She said e neighbors had to raise money for the city's wading pools this year. She asked) "Where are the priorities?" She suggested that citizens review the Urban Renewal Plan and make recommendations about its future. Wallace Swanson, 140 Coachman Drive, sa i d he opposes open i ng Will amette between 8th and 10th to vehicles. He discussed Fargo) North Dakota. He said Fargo did what Don Miles recommended Eugene do but it was financed by property owners in the downtown. The solution did not solve the problem. Nena Lovinger, 1554 East 21st, said she opposes opening Willamette between 8th and 10th. She said the mall is convenient and familiar. She said cars are noisy and a distraction. She said Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) representatives stated that Eugene does not meet Federal air quality standards at a May 18, 1987, Planning Commission meeting. She said introduction of slow-moving traffic would make the air quality problem worse. Ms. Lovinger said the downtown mall would benefit from redesigning. She said the courtyard of the professional building south of the YMCA is an excellent example of a public space. She recommended that public funds be used to restore the lower Millrace. She said it could be a picturesque canal linking the University of Oregon and the downtown. Nan Cohen) 907 River Road, said she wore a sign and gas mask whe~ she arrived at the hearing. She was not permitted to enter the hearing and was spoken to rudely. She said she opposes the opening of Wi 1 lamette between 8th and 10th because of pollution. She said economic development should be high quality, e sustainable, and diverse. Ms. Cohen said the Library is open very few hours and City funds should be spent on the Library, social services) and the police and fire department. Bill Combs) 2255 Charnelton, said he owns Burch's Fine Footwear. He said he supports opening Willamette Street to traffic. He said the downtown seems to be on the verge of an economic comeback but that is different from having long-term economic health. He said pedestrians and cars can mix well. Access is needed for good retailing. He said he favored the creation of the downtown mall but times change and the mall should change. Susan Ritchie Grina, 2035 Wood Acres Drive, said she was speaking for herself and her father, Harry Ritchie. She said they favor opening Willamette to vehicles between 8th and 10th. She said her father believed that closing Willamette to vehicles would be an asset but it has become a liability. She said the improvements on West Broadway have resulted in new businesses and new investment. Denny Geeler) 2090 Dewey Street, said he opposes the opening of Willamette to vehicles. He said a city's greatest asset is its people. He said there is no evidence to prove that the opening of Willamette will be good for business. He said reopening Willamette will result in transients gathering closer to stores) people still having difficulty finding parking spaces and walking to e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 13, 1987 Page 19